Arsenal show interest in Lyon’s 21-year-old midfielder Ndombele as PSG pull out

Arsenal are one of seven clubs to show interest in Olympique Lyonnais midfielder Tanguy Ndombele, as Paris Saint-Germain pull out of the race for his signature.

Paris United wrote earlier this month that PSG were after the French u21 international. They confirmed meetings had taken place between the club and the player in April. However, now they report that the French side failed to convince Ndombele, leaving the way open for other clubs to make a move.

Tottenham and Juventus have already opened discussions, with Manchester United also planning a move. Then Arsenal, Liverpool, AS Roma and Manchester City have all expressed an interest in the player. There’s no shortage of competition for his signature.

Lyon have only just signed the midfielder themselves. They took him on loan from Amiens at the start of the season, with an option-to-buy of around £7m. After a strong campaign with the club, they activated that clause to sign him permanently.

After the 21-year-old made 50 appearances for them this season, they may want to hang onto him a bit longer. Then again, they have the opportunity to make a quick profit if they’d rather do that instead.

Ndombele scored one goal and assisted eight this season, but one of his biggest strengths is carrying the ball and winning free-kicks. If Jack Wilshere ends up leaving Arsenal, the Frenchman could provide similar qualities to his English counterpart in the North London side.

We’ll see if Unai Emery and his transfer team up their interest in the player quickly enough to fend off their competitors.